“4Wings is a charitable, grassroots women’s organisation whose mission is to engage, enable and empower survivors of abuse, trauma and/or displacement, in taking appropriate ‘next steps’ to move beyond the barriers they have faced, and reclaiming their lives.
4Wings has been working close to the ground alongside women successfully for 10 years, delivering activities and creative workshops that inspire our members to become civically and economically active, self-sufficient, and resilient. Women on our programs have reported improved self-confidence and self-efficacy, enabling them to go back into education, volunteering, employment or at the most basic level- become socially engaged with improved coping strategies.
Majority of 4Wings beneficiaries are migrants, asylum seeking and refugee women, many who besides experiencing abuse or trauma, additionally experience the loss of identity, home, and community. Thus, most subsequently face layers of discrimination and exclusion, further exacerbating their marginalisation and impacting their mental health.
“
To provide for those affected by poverty and need, employment and unemployment issues : debt and employment advice, representation and advocacy; support and advice in the provision of education, learning and training opportunities; support and assistance in the development of self-help initiatives
Gorse Hill Studios (GHSCC) is an ambitious youth arts charity, who believe all young people have the right to social, emotional, educational and cultural investment in their future. We work with young people encouraging them to value themselves by taking an active role in their community and learning. We support them with building achievable aspirational pathways for their futures.
Altrincham Baptist Church are a large Christian evangelical church situated on Hale Road in Altrincham. In 2007 the church took over a large old community centre which it renamed ‘The Hub’ and repurposed as a new community base. We offer many activities for all ages throughout the week, from Art Class to Toddler Group, Knit and Natter to Journalling.
Cafe Laziz is a St Helens based project that supports sanctuary seekers by providing a safe space for people from different backgrounds to connect. We offer ESOL lessons, shared cooking and meals and support for individuals whilst they go through the system. By hosting a weekly community cafe on Thursdays, market stalls and community events, we use food to break down barriers between the local community and asylum seekers and refugees, fostering understanding and connection. Additionally we train volunteers in food hygiene, language skills and customer service, preparing them for work and helping them to build skills for their future. Through these efforts, Cafe Laziz creates a welcoming, supportive family for those fleeing persecution and hardship.
For ESOL, we run five week introductory courses on Tuesdays 10-1pm at Chain Lane. We only do five weeks as we are trying to reach as many people as possible and specifically those who have not been here long enough to be entitled to accredited ESOL at St Helens College or Adult Community Learning. These classes are for pre-entry to entry 2 level.
We run the cafe on Thursdays which is open to the public between 12-2pm but we are there from 10am for sanctuary seekers looking for friendship – we have tea and coffee and games.
The Giving Tree is an organisation that provides general support. They can also offer training in coffee making.